NYSpur Gears Up for the New Season
On August 11, 2007, the 2007-2008 English Premier League season gets underway. However, for me, that date has a greater significance. Fifteen years ago, it was the day before I bade farewell to England and started life in the US of A. For Spurs, those fifteen years have been tumultuous with more than our share of disappointments. For me, supporting from afar, they have been at times frustrating and at others exhilarating.
When I first arrived in the US, I had very limited access to Spurs media coverage. I was one of those souls that Radio 2 commentary would be talking to when they began second-half commentary with “…and we welcome World Service listeners wherever you may be to…” I would get newspaper cuttings from home a week or so late. In contrast, as of this season, I will have access to virtually every game via a combination of Fox Soccer Channel and Setanta Broadband. When I speak to my father, I often tell him news that I have picked off of the internet. It is a great time for Spurs to be resurgent because I can see it as it happens. And not only that, my progeny can too.
Growing up in Southgate, North London, I was schooled in the North London rivalry. Literally. Playtime involved kids lining up as Spurs versus…well you know who. Bertie Mee’s daughter went to my school and, sorry to say, my father took pictures of me getting autographs from the 1972 team he managed (Did I mention that my father supports the wrong team in North London? Why I do not is a story for another day.) I first went to White Hart Lane as a six year old in 1969 (versus Coventry) and have been a devoted supporter ever since. But how does one imbue similar loyalty in twin boys who live thousands of miles away from “Norf London?”
I think the key is persistence. From having them on my knee as babies when I watched the games on TV (it is a bad idea to make that “ohhhh” noise when the ball hits the crossbar with a baby on your knee, by the way) through to watching the West Ham game with them last season, their allegiance has been forged. However, I don’t know where I would be without our uptick in fortunes. When my son Bryan says his favorite player is Berbatov “because he is the best” he is not only echoing my sentiments, he is right.
I’m ready for the new season. I have seen Spurs when they were expected to beat the best teams of the day. We are close to doing so again. Hopefully, I will be watching them, this time with the next generation of fans in tow. COYS!!